Freestanding Modular Spiral Staircase

ABSTRACT

A freestanding, adjustable, modular spiral staircase embodied in a unique method of spiral staircase design is provided. The steps of the spiral staircase are arrayed and supported in a circular pattern around a central column with the outside edges or leading or trailing corners of the steps are supported by three peripheral columns, while step posts interconnect adjacent steps. Many parts are interchangeable and the steps adjustable to allow for shortening or lengthening the staircase. The base of the staircase unit is heavy to provide maximum stability and to prevent tipping.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel spiral staircase. More particularly, the invention relates to a freestanding modular spiral staircase that is moveable and adjustable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Standard spiral staircases are limited in their usability and portability by being fastened to walls, floors, ceilings, or all the above. They are not stable enough to be freestanding and unattached to other surfaces and usually rely on other surfaces and structures to support their weight. Also, since they are attached in one place, they are not able to be utilized in different areas of a room. Rearrangement of the staircase as you would other furniture items is usually not possible because of this. Another problem with the standard spiral staircase is the height can not be scaled up or down to reach different levels in a room. It is initially designed to a certain height and can not be changed. A standard spiral staircase is also too heavy by design to be easily moved from one location to another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems and improve upon what currently exists. The interlocking parts are interchangeable and adjustable to allow for differing heights of staircase construction. Once assembled it can be easily moved from one location to another since it is light enough to be carried by one person. No other supporting structures are needed for stability, as its unique design results in a natural compressive strength to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above can be had by referencing the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it must be understood that the drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of being. Accordingly:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a 12-step version of the invention with references to all the parts needed for that size. Since the invention is expandable or down sizeable the amount of each part can vary and are not limited to the number of parts in this example. Also, the height may vary depending on the number of steps in the staircase.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a 12-step version of the invention. Since the invention is expandable or down sizeable the height may vary depending on the number of steps in the staircase. The amount of each part can vary and are not limited to the number of parts in this example.

FIG. 3 is the top view of the invention and shows several steps leading up to the top platform of the staircase as well as the top platform itself.

FIG. 4 is an isometric rear view of a 12-step version of the invention. Since the invention is expandable or down sizeable the height may vary depending on the number of steps in the staircase. The amount of each part can vary and are not limited to the number of parts in this example.

FIG. 5 is a side section view of a 12-step version of the invention to show the interior composition of the invention. This depiction shows a solid core to the parts, but other materials can be used which can be hollow. Since the invention is expandable or down sizeable the height may vary depending on the number of steps in the staircase. The amount of each part can vary and are not limited to the number of parts in this example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a unique method of spiral staircase design that is modular, adaptable, and movable. The steps of the spiral staircase are arrayed and supported in a circular pattern around a central column with the outside edges of the steps supported by 3 peripheral columns. All parts have been designed and sized to fit in a shippable size box for ease of transport. The present invention is described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present invention, but is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

Referring to FIG. 1, the various parts of the invention are listed in this view and will be noted and described in the following paragraphs.

The base 110 is a solid triangular platform which serves as the foundation of the invention. The base 110 has a flat surface top and bottom of which other parts of the invention attach themselves to. The preferred method for other parts to attach to base 110 are drilled holes in the center and outside corners. The preferred material for base 110 is solid wood or plastic. Other materials may be used for base 110 and other methods of attachment are possible and are not limited to the above preferred methods.

3 feet 112 are attached to the base 110 preferably through holes drilled through the base 110. 3 pads 114 are attached to the 3 feet 112 preferably with glue or self-stick application. The 3 feet 112 and pads 114 are attached under the three outside corners of the base 110. The pads 114 serve as protection for floors and surfaces the invention is resting on. Other embodiments are possible and are not limited to the above examples.

A step post 120, a short post 118, and a medium post 116, are attached to the base 110 preferably with screws threaded into holes drilled in the base 110. These posts 120, 118, and 116 are mounted on the outside upper corners of the base 110. A center post 122 is attached to the top center of the base preferably with a screw. Posts 120, 118, 116, 122 as well as other posts in the invention are preferably made of a solid heavy-duty material such as wood, plastic, metal, or other strong materials. The above-mentioned posts can also be hollow or semi hollow. Other embodiments are possible and are not limited to the above examples.

A step 124 is attached to center post 122 preferably with a screw through a hole drilled through step 124. This process is continued one above another until 12 step 124's are assembled in this embodiment of the invention. Each step 124 is rotated 40° in a clockwise direction as they are placed above one another in this embodiment. Other embodiments with more step 124's or less step 124's are possible and are not limited to the above example.

In between each step 124 is mounted a step post 120, preferably with screws attached through holes in step 124. 13 step posts 120 are used in the 12-step version of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

Three types of posts support the outside edges of the invention as it is constructed bottom to top. They are short post 118, medium post 116, long post 126. These posts are preferably made of a solid heavy-duty material such as wood, plastic, metal, or glass. These three types of posts are attached to any steps 124 they meet as they rise straight up from the three corners of the base 110. The above-mentioned posts can also be hollow or semi hollow. The attachment method is preferably using screws but not limited to that method. Other embodiments are possible and are not limited to the above examples.

A top 128 is attached to center post 122, short post 118, medium post 116, and step post 120 at the very top of the invention. Screws are used preferably to attach the top 128 to these posts 122, 118, 116, and 120. The top 128 can be made of wood, plastic, glass, metal, or other materials. Preferably a padded surface of carpeting, foam, cloth, or other soft material is attached to the top 128. A pattern, logo, picture, or other embellishment may be added to the top 128 for decorative purposes. Other embodiments are possible and are not limited to the above examples.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples, it would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A freestanding spiral staircase, comprising: a base; a top platform; a center post extending between the base and the top platform; a plurality of triangular steps, wherein an acute vertex of each triangular step is connected to the center post in such a way as to form a helical configuration along a longitudinal axis of the center post; a plurality of peripheral posts extending from just inward of a periphery of the base to a corner of one of the plurality of triangular steps; and each peripheral post is connected to at least one step of the plurality of triangular steps. 